stir debate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stir debate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation that is likely to prompt discussions. For example, "The new policy has the potential to stir debate among the public."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The findings are certain to stir debate.

The New York Times

The plan is destined to stir debate and rouse criticism.

The New York Times - Sports

As always, Ms. Voigt's singing will stir debate within the opera world.

The New York Times - Arts

The work annoyed and baffled just enough viewers to stir debate.

The New York Times - Arts

These innovations, more than ever, stir debate about their cost and necessity.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of the issues raised in Mrs. Smart's death still stir debate.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Health care financing continues to stir debates around the world.

Health Economics Review

Her efforts have stirred debate.

The New York Times - Sports

The row stirred debate around the UK.

The Guardian

The project in Lo Manthang has stirred debate.

The New York Times

Watch the bounce ReprintsAll this has stirred debate.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stir debate" when you want to emphasize that something is likely to cause a significant amount of public discussion and disagreement. It implies the topic is contentious or provocative.

Common error

Avoid using "stir debate" when describing a situation that simply requires discussion without inherent disagreement or controversy. Opt for phrases like "promote discussion" or "encourage dialogue" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stir debate" functions as a verb phrase where "stir" acts as a transitive verb and "debate" serves as its direct object. It indicates the act of initiating or provoking discussion, often with elements of disagreement or controversy. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stir debate" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys the action of initiating or provoking discussion, especially when disagreement or controversy is involved. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is most common in news and media contexts but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. When using "stir debate", consider the potential for strong reactions and ensure that it accurately reflects the intended level of contention. Alternatives like "spark discussion" or "prompt discussion" may be more appropriate in neutral contexts. Avoiding its use when the intention is merely to encourage dialogue rather than highlight disagreement is recommended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spark discussion

Replaces "stir" with "spark" implying initiation of a discussion instead of agitation.

prompt discussion

Replaces "stir" with "prompt", suggesting the phrase encourages discussion.

trigger debate

Synonymous with "stir debate", indicating an event that causes a discussion to start.

provoke discussion

Emphasizes a deliberate attempt to initiate debate.

ignite controversy

Substitutes "stir debate" with a more intense term implying a heated disagreement.

generate discussion

Replaces "stir" with "generate", focusing on the creation of a discussion.

incite debate

This expression is more forceful, suggesting a stimulation of debate, often contentious.

fuel controversy

Indicates that the action intensifies an existing controversy.

foster discussion

Implies nurturing and encouraging discussion rather than simply starting it.

raise questions

This alternative focuses on posing inquiries that may lead to debate.

FAQs

How can I use "stir debate" in a sentence?

You can use "stir debate" to describe something that is likely to cause significant discussion and disagreement. For example, "The new policy has the potential to "stir debate" among the public".

What can I say instead of "stir debate"?

You can use alternatives like "spark discussion", "ignite controversy", or "prompt discussion" depending on the context.

Is "stir debate" formal or informal language?

"Stir debate" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's frequently found in news and media due to its descriptive nature.

Which is correct, "stir debate" or "cause debate"?

Both "stir debate" and "cause debate" are correct. "Stir debate" implies a more active and perhaps contentious initiation of discussion, while "cause debate" is a more general term for initiating discussion.